"Okay boys and girls! We're kicking off the semifinals right with the Violet Team facing the Blue Team. So without further ado...let the field be made!" Magenta Voice said as the battlefield was made. "And let the match...begin!"
"Hmm…We're facing the Violet Team. I can tell right off the bat that Yoko and Shinso are going to be trouble. If we don't do something about them quickly, they'll cause problems further down the line." David said.
"That's right. And there is a problem of Bartolomeo's barriers. As long as those are up, we can't launch attacks or infiltrate the other fortress." Jexi said.
"Actually, the barrier shouldn't be much of a problem." Law said. "We just need to wait for them to deploy their fighters."
"Oh, right. We almost forgot that you have an ability that switches people around." David said.
"I can simply create a ROOM and swap our fighters with theirs before the barrier can even come down." Law said.
"But your Rooms have a limited radius. We'd have to wait until they're inside, and…" Ibuki said before Law whacked her.
"You're overthinking it. And radius isn't an issue if both teams opposing forces are close to one another." Law said.
"He's right. To get over here, they all have to at least cross the border dividing our lands." Jexi said.
"So distance wouldn't even matter." Frosta said. "Once they cross into our territory or get close to it, they'll fall into our hands."
"Knowing them...they'll definitely try the strategy they used last time and sneak Shinso and Yoko into the fortress from the sides." Connie said.
"So Law is going to swap us with their escorts." David said. "But due to the limit, he can only swap four of us."
"I'd like to volunteer to be part of that group, if you don't mind." Sword offered.
"Let me go too." Frosta added.
"Hold on. We can't just jump in haphazardly without some sort of plan." David said.
"Not to mention this Mystery Fighter X. We don't know for sure who that person really is." Cheetah said.
"That's right. They didn't make a single move during the last battle." Yuno said.
"Maybe they're incredibly powerful or don't care much for fighting and just observe." Undyne said. "Now that I think about it, I don't think anyone even saw how they operated during the first stage."
"Huh. That is interesting, ain't it?" Lancer said.
"They could be a flag but that's only a possibility." Robin said. "However, we can cross Adora, Yoko, Gonta, Shinso, Rias and Riku from the list."
"Right. They were the attacking force last time. If they use a different formation, it will narrow the list further." David said.
"Looks like they've mobilized their forces." Ojiro said seeing Adora, Rio, Rias, Riku, Mickey and Yoko leaving the fortress.
"Hmm…Something's wrong. The way it was set up, it seems like they were on to us." David said.
"On to us. How would they be…" Kaminari said.
"Oh, I think I caught on to their little spy." Cheetah said seeing a hamster scurrying back.
"That was Jum-P. Urgh…I knew Gundham would pull something like this." David said.
"The rules say only using six fighters to invade but it doesn't say anything about animals entering." Robin said.
"Before we even started, he sent his hamsters into our fortress to listen in and report back." Jexi said.
"No choice. This might change our plan a little bit, but we can still manage." David said.
"Yes. And I know how to disrupt their barrier plan. Just trust me on this." Law said heading off.
"Once Law uses his power, we gotta keep our distance, right?" Adora asked as they headed for the Blue team's territory. "I'm still studying Devil Fruits, I haven't read up on Law's much."
"You're mostly right in your assumptions. Law ate the Op-Op Fruit, so he can basically make anyplace his operating table." Yoko said.
"So keep your distance, and don't go inside his Rooms." Riku said.
"Right. That shouldn't be too hard to…" Adora said as Law came out. "There he is!"
Law smirked as he ran to them and then crossed over to their territory. "ROOM!" he said creating a large space around them and part of their fortress.
"He can form one this big right from the start?" Adora asked.
"Well...guess it's time." Law said making a thrusting motion as Yoko, Adora and Bartolomeo from that fortress part had their hearts show out of their chests. "Personality Swap Surgery! Shambles!" he said before they went back in.
"Huh...the heck did I get here?" Yoko asked.
"What in the...he...he switched our bodies." Adora said looking at herself. "Meaning…"
"How...what am I doing back in the fortress." Bartolomeo said.
"You all seemed to have your pieces all in place, so I thought things should be more interesting for your forces." Law said.
"He swapped our bodies around. I'm stuck in Adora's body, Barto's in mine and Adora's in his." Yoko said.
"I doubt this situation changes things for you Yoko...but the same can't be said for the other two." Law said.
"Oi, screw you Law!" Bartomelo said. "Adora-senpai doesn't even know how to use my powers!"
"That's the point, genius. Oi, are we ready, Ishihara-ya?" Law asked.
"These rocks are ready to roll!" David said.
"Yeah! Let's get going! Ice these suckers!" Frosta said.
"I'll be following your lead, Ishihara." Storm said, sparking his sword.
"So...it seems they have played us. Hahahaha! Yes! That's right! Attack our fortress! Let us dance in an endless cycle of pandemonium!" Gundham said.
"He seems very eager for this." Cheetah said.
"Yep. But what do you expect from the Dark Lord Supreme?" David asked. "Let's nail them while they're disoriented. Undyne, Todoroki, back Law up. Cheetah, you take a force of three and go around to the fortress."
"Understood." Todoroki said.
"And me and Storm are with you?" Frosta asked.
"If by that, you mean defending this place." David said.
"Okay." Frosta said.
"Understood." Sword added.
"Let's go." UlforceVeedramon said as he and Shyvana accompanied Cheetah. "I can't believe Dave even came up with this. I mean, defense doesn't suit him at all."
"Perhaps maybe he's changing his strategy according to the battle." Shyvana said.
"Yes. Now then...we need to keep focused. This Shinso character is still inside the enemy fortress so if you hear a voice sounding like someone you know...do not answer." Cheetah said.
"Right. By the way, if you don't mind me saying…you seem pretty calm about going through with his strategies. It's probably hearsay, but…I heard you don't really work well with others, much less him." UlforceVeedramon said.
"Hahaha…That's just Diana's opinion. She would say anything just to antagonize me. Besides, he doesn't really believe what she says." Cheetah said.
"I know. It's just that I didn't expect you to be so…you know, loyal." UlforceVeedramon said.
"It just takes time to get used to my presence. People are quick to judge, that's why very few people have trusted me." Cheetah said.
"And now...You consider David one of those people." UlforceVeedramon asked.
"Along with Cold and Poison Ivy, yes. They're among the very few people that have ever shown me any form of kindness." Cheetah said.
"From what the others have told me, Dave has pretty much always been like that. You might have to get the story from him, but...I think it has something to do with that time his former partner died…" UlforceVeedramon said.
"I see. So he trusts me because of that, and has become more open." Cheetah said.
"Pretty much so, yes. Plus, when he saw Diana pull a sword to your throat…I think that might've been the last straw between the two of them. Er…Sorry, I know that's the reason you were after him in the first place. Man, this relationship between the three of you is just one big tangled-up mess." UlforceVeedramon said. "And now after some time and bonding between the two of you, here we are. A half-dragon and two speedsters from alternate dimensions. What are the odds of all of that?"
"Very slim, I'd say." Cheetah said. "I never thought I'd change so much."
"Yeah, he tends to have that kind of effect on people. There's just something about him, I guess." UlforceVeedramon said as they reached the fortress.
"Now to find the flag." Cheetah said.
"The possible flags are...Gundham, Cavendish, Sonia, Kazuichi, Mystery Fighter X, Mineta and Nana." UlforceVeedramon said. "Seven people."
"Then we'll start with going after the one leading the attacks. We'll capture this Gundham." Shyvana said.
"Good idea." Cheetah said.
"Hey, Cheetah! Is everything okay in there?" they heard David's voice shout.
Shyvana then went towards where the voice was as Shinso jumped over her.
"Heh...Didn't think you all would fall for that." Shinso said.
"Yeah, we know how your trick works now." UlforceVeedramon said. "No way we're falling for it anymore."
"Fine. If that's how it is...I'll just capture you three and trick your teammates instead." Shinso said.
"You'll have to catch us first." UlforceVeedramon said.
"I know I can't catch you so…" Shinso said sending his bandages at Shyvana and Cheetah instead.
"You just made a big mistake." UlforceVeedramon said. He feels Shyvana start to burn up as she starts to transform into a dragon.
"Now Burn!" Shyvana roared breathing fire at Shinso as he blocked it using the bandages. "Damn."
"They're doing this on purpose. They're trying to exhaust me." Shinso said. "No choice. I'll have to rely on help. Cavendish!"
"Ah...finally time...you called someone like me." Cavendish said drawing his sword.
"Are you okay with being unpopular?" Shinso asked.
"Of course I'm no-" Cavendish said before going silent and motionless.
"Fall asleep right now!" Shinso shouted as Cavendish passed out on the ground.
"Why would he do that?" Shyvana asked.
"Uh oh…You two, get back!" UlforceVeedramon said.
"Okay, Hakuba...have your fun." Shinso said running off as Cavendish rose back up and swayed a bit.
"I'll...CUT YOU UP!" Cavendish said rushing at them as UlforceVeedramon quickly blocked the attack.
"What's going on?" Shyvana said.
"Cavendish has a split personality. It only comes out when he goes to sleep. When it comes out, he's as fast as me and as deadly as a whirlwind." UlforceVeedramon said. "You two need to get out and find Gundham. I'll keep him at bay."
"Understood." Shyvana said as she and Cheetah advanced through the fortress.
"Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut! CUT!" Hakuba shouted as he continued to go at UlforceVeedramon.
Up above, Gundham watched his fighters go against the Blue Teams fighter's. "This truly is incredible. So much pandemonium!" Gundham said. "Hmm...where is our mystery ally?"
"Not sure. I can't seem to find them anywhere in the fort." Kazuichi said.
"Hmm. That is strange. You, colossus, go and look for them." Gundham said to Gonta.
"Okay. Gonta go find friend." Gonta said going back inside.
"I gotta be honest, Gundham...I don't know what it is about that Mystery Fighter X, there's just something about them that feels familiar." Kazuichi said.
"Yes...I was having the same feeling." Gundham said.
"I dunno…I'm thinking it's Impostor. Could it be him?" Kazuichi asked.
"Oh he's not here." Gundham said. "He shares info on his whereabouts with the leaders. I overheard a conversation between them once. Besides, we wouldn't get the feeling from him considering how he changes his appearance."
"Well then I'm out of options. Maybe it's just something off with us." Kazuichi said. "There was one other guess but...that impossible. They didn't even bother trying to get her back to us."
Deep in the fortress, Cheetah and Shyvana continued through the halls before stumbling upon a hidden pathway.
"Maybe they have the flag hidden down here." Shyvana said.
"This stench… There's definitely someone down there, that's for sure." Cheetah said.
They quietly walked down the tunnel before they found a small room. Inside they saw Mystery Fighter X, hidden in their cloak, watching a few feeds from the previous battles and matches.
"So it's you...Mystery Fighter X." Shyvana said.
Mystery Fighter X showed no reaction as they continued to watch the feed and sometimes took notes.
"Shyvana, wait. Something's wrong…" Cheetah said.
"Who cares? They're just sitting here doing nothing. At least take that stupid cloak off!" Shyvana said yanking it off. "What in the?" she said as they saw a girl sitting there with patchwork skin and a black hoodie.
"That's…That's impossible." Cheetah said. "You're supposed to be dead."
"Oh...bringing back the dead isn't that impossible...at least not for me." a voice said as appearing on a screen was a familiar mad doctor. "Seems our little operation has been compromised."
"Who are you?" Shyvana said.
"Dr. Maddiman at your service. But you might know me better as a few titles. One of them being...Mukuro Ikusaba's reviver!" he said laughing. "And right now...reviver of Chiaki Nanami!"
"So...this really is her?" Cheetah asked.
"Yes and no. That is most definitely her body you see, albeit not completely original, I had to substitute a few parts. And she hasn't even shown any sort of consciousness like Mukuro did when she first awoke. Guess she's not all there yet. But it works perfect for me." Maddiman said.
"What are you talking about?" Shyvana said.
"This equipment...she's been studying each of us." Cheetah said.
"Indeed. Its all for creating my ideal army. My soldiers of the undead." Maddiman said. "All for the purpose of getting revenge...on them!" he said pointing to a picture of Hope and Mukuro.
"Hope and Mukuro?" Cheetah asked.
"That's right. Him for taking in my creation and her for rebelling and destroying my lab!" Maddiman said. "I've been robbing graves all over the Multiverse just to prepare for my revenge! Though now that I've been discovered, I'll have no choice but for my servant to destroy any trace of me being here and retrieve her from our agreed extraction point."
"What do you mean by that?" Shyvana asked.
"I mean she's gonna destroy the cameras here and return to me so I can get the info she watched out of her memory." Maddiman said.
"We can't allow that to happen. Shyvana, we have no choice. We need to restrain her!" Cheetah said.
"I'd like to see you try. Subject...Game On!" Maddiman said as Chiaki stood up as she grabbed a nearby sledge hammer and started attacking the monitors. "Good luck. I've made her to follow out her mission no matter what."
"Like that is going to stop us." Shyvana said.
"Heh...have fun." Maddiman said as the monitor he was on got smashed as Chiaki dropped the sledgehammer and turned towards the two guarding the exit.
"You shall not leave this place." Cheetah said.
Chiaki just ran at them as she avoided a strike from Shyvana as leapt over her.
"She's good. But she won't get away." Cheetah said as she chased after her.
"Wait, I'm coming with you!" Shyvana said chasing after her.
They ran up into the main hall. As Chiaki headed for the exit, they saw Sonia coming across the corner. "What the? The enemy is here? How can…" she said before seeing Chiaki. "It...can't be." she said tearing up.
"So...nia." Chiaki muttered before grabbing her head and running down the next hall away from her.
"She ran in the opposite direction. Why didn't she go out the exit?" Shyvana said.
"I know that gesture. Her memories were flooding in." Cheetah said.
"That weird doctor said she wasn't all there yet. I get it now...part of her was starting to wake up the moment she saw that girl." Shyvana said.
"Counting her, her former classmates on this team also consisted of Tanaka and Soda. We have to lure her towards them. If more of her memories come in, we might be able to somehow deal with her." Cheetah said.
"Gundham and Kazuichi are on the rooftop." Sonia said.
"Rooftop, got it." Shyvana said.
"I shouldn't give orders to the enemy, but…You should guard the exit. If Nanami leaves, we might never get her back." Cheetah said.
"I don't care about winning anymore. Just...save her." Sonia said.
"We will." Shyvana said as they continued after Chiaki.
Meanwhile, on the roof of the fortress…
"Wow...things sound like they're getting crazy down there." Kazuichi said.
"Yeah, sorry. Had to let Hakuba loose on those three that got in." Shinso said.
"I see. It was something that needed to be done." Gundham said.
"Hey...think I hear someone coming up." Kazuichi said.
"Must be one of the enemies. Get ready." Gundham said. "Foe, you shall fall before our...our…" he said stopping motionless as they saw Chiaki reaching the roof. "Is...fate playing some cruel illusion on me?"
"It must be cause I'm seeing it too." Kazuichi said.
"Gund...ham. Kazu...ichi." Chiaki groaned as she gripped her head in agony.
"This girl is...Chiaki Nanami. I read about her in the report on the heroes relations. But she's supposed to be dead." Shinso said. "I don't know what's going on...but I need to get the situation under control." he said adjusting his mask. "I know this voice should get her to listen." he said. "Chiaki! Are you okay?" he asked in Hajime's voice.
"Ha..jime." she said before going under his control.
"Go to sleep, right now!" Shinso ordered as Chiaki passed out right there.
"It...it really is her." Kazuichi said.
"She's...returned to us." Gundham said before looking out. "Though this isn't a proper reunion." he said tying his scarf to a stick as he waved it high in the air.
"What's this? I'm getting word that Gundham has asked to surrender?" Magenta said. "Hmm...I guess something happened. But we can't accept a surrender unless a member of the opposite team agrees."
"David, are you seeing this? Gundhams surrendering." Frosta noticed.
"What could he be thinking?" Ibuki said coming out. "He shouldn't be doing that." she said grabbing a pair of binoculars. "I mean this is…" she said before stopping speechless by what she saw on the other side.
"Ibuki?!" Frosta asked.
"That's...impossible." Ibuki said tearing up.
"Is that...Chiaki?" David asked.
"I've seen the photos of the 77th class. There's no doubt. That's her." Aqua said.
"What?! You're kidding!" Sword said, taking the binoculars and taking a look himself. "You're not kidding!"
"I get it now." Jexi said.
"We accept their terms." David said, hoping Magenta can hear him.
"It's been accepted. The winner by default is...Blue Team!" Magenta Voice said.
It was a bit after the match that Chiaki was brought into the medical bay.
"I've compared her records to the past ones. This really is Chiaki." Law said.
"I can't believe he would go to these lengths...just to get to me." Mukuro said.
"Don't forget that he's after Hope too. He's got it in on you both. Man… It's Theodore Flux all over again." David said.
"Trust us, that guy is nothing like Theodore." Sunset said. "He's a lot less logical...and more crazy."
"Will Chiaki...will she be okay?" Cheetah asked.
"If she has constant exposure to people she's met with in the past, she should be fine after a month." Law said.
"Hmm...Shinso." Gundham said looking to Shinso near the entrance. "Thank you."
"Don't worry about it." Shinso said. "Guess being a hero means taking a loss with a pinch of salt, even if you loss to save a life."
"There's still one thing I don't get. Why did you even join this tournament?" Kazuichi asked.
"Isn't it obvious. To demonstrate my skills to help push my transfer through." Shinso said.
"Transfer?" Shyvana asked.
"My in progress transfer to get into the Hero Course." Shinso said.
"You're still going after it, huh?" Sectonia asked.
"Yeah. From my progress so far...it's likely I'll be transferred by the time I start my second year." Shinso said.
"That so? Then let me offer you some advice, kid: you're the only person who decides what kind of hero you can be." Sword said.
"I already knew that way before you." Shinso said. "You better all watch out. I haven't forgotten about my loss at the Sports Festival." he said as he left.
"He's determined, I'll give him that." Hope said. "Still...Dr. Maddiman. I can't believe were hearing from him after all these years."
"Least from what Cheetah said...we've stalled his revenge plan." Jexi said.
"Yep. Pretty far, I'd say." David said. "If it really was true that her role was to send info about our techniques to him, then I'm glad the two of you found her when you did. If she got away, that would've led to a major disaster."
"Thank you." Shyvana said.
"Guess we should head back to the stadium. Break's almost over." Francisca said. "And...Khan, I know it doesn't hold much weight now, but…"
"I know. And I apologize for my false belief and wrath." Khan said.
"Still, I still want you to come at me with everything you've got, like you still believe what Mantis said." Francisca said.
"Are you sure about that? If your team loses, that's kind of on you." Sectonia said.
"I know, but that doesn't change the fact that Tigre left with us in Cho-Tokyo because of me. Part of me was kind of expecting something like this." Francisca said. "So, I plan to face Khan at full strength in his honor."
"I will accept that." Khan said. "Then I will not hold back either."
"I hope you're ready as well, Hope. Think of this as payback for when you killed me way back when." Sectonia said.
"Okay. The Gloves are off then!" Hope said. "It's gonna get real now!" he said.
"Let's go!" both sides shouted.